Jacob Amengor

Young Water Professional & Award Winner, Ghana
EWL Programme Committee member

“Our planet continues to show the negative impacts of climate change in various ways, with water being one of the hardest hit. But, young people have been identified as crucial innovators and changemakers in solving the climate change problem. During the Emerging Water Leaders Forum in Kigali, we will engage in a multisectoral and intergenerational dialogue to develop impact-driven solutions for a climate resilient water and sanitation sector.”

“I think there are many aspects of progress in water and sanitation services that we can showcase… The conversation at the Congress will provide important opportunities for stakeholder dialogue. The plenary sessions and the technical sessions are really important for stakeholders and partners to learn the principles and connect with one another. The Congress creates an incredible energy, and this is something we can build on to progress change…

Africa is not waiting for landline solutions. We now have digital platforms and infrastructure that almost everyone can access. Africa has the opportunity to rethink and find new solutions to complement or close the gap when centralised services are not the best response. As we innovate, we must also build in resilience to climate change.”

Read the full interview on The Source.

Doulaye Kone

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USA
Programme Committee chair 

“Countries in the Global South are at different stages of development, with some currently facing severe water crises. The IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition offers a platform for countries in the Global South to engage in mutual learning and exchange. The wealth of their first-hand experiences and lessons learned can ignite sparks of inspiration and serve as seeds for innovation in other nations.

“I look forward to a successful event that will foster greater consensus on water-related issues, generate actionable plans, and create abundant opportunities for collaboration.”

Min Yang

National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Detoxication and Resource Recovery, China
Programme Committee member

“The Water and Development Congress & Exhibition is significant, particularly for low- and middle-income countries which struggle with water scarcity. The event congregates a diverse pool of water and sanitation experts, practitioners, and entrepreneurs, providing an opportunity to examine challenges, share success stories, discuss the latest technologies to address climate change, and build partnerships. The event will also highlight evolving policy, governance and financing mechanisms for international development. ”

Osward M. Chanda​

African Development Bank, Côte d’Ivoire
Programme Committee member

“I can’t wait for service providers and researchers to get together and discuss practical strategies to improve water and sanitation services among the poorest. Innovation combined with pragmatism is what we need to make these services universal and equitable.”

Caroline Delaire

Aquaya, France
Programme Committee member

“The IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition in Rwanda will be a fantastic opportunity to make progress on water and sanitation in low- and middle- income countries. Lots of investments are being channelled towards water and sanitation infrastructure in the Global South, so it’s necessary to focus on reliable technologies, good policies, and efficient management. The Water and Development Congress in December will be an excellent place to gain relevant knowledge and experience. ”

Marcelo Kenji Miki​

Sabesp, Brazil
Programme Committee member

“The upcoming congress holds promise as a nexus of innovation and knowledge-sharing. With a focus on innovations that address access disparities, tackle the climate change challenge head-on, and foster social change for an equitable and sustainable sanitation landscape, the event is poised to be an incredible learning opportunity. Envision learning directly from the trailblazers. Anticipation is high, and I eagerly await the chance to absorb insights, strategies, and innovations that will undoubtedly shape the future of sanitation, with you all.  ”

Isha Basyal​

Global Water and Sanitation Center, Thailand
Programme Committee member